James (Jim) Penland Jr., 79, of Gloucester and the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, passed away suddenly but peacefully on February 5, 2025, while spending time with his family in Fernandina Beach, Florida, after a long and courageous fight with his illness.

Jim was born on July 8, 1945 in Morganton, North Carolina to the late James Penland Sr. and Nora Bell Penland (Holsclaw). He lived a full and happy life with no regrets that was filled with kindness and devotion to his family and friends. Jim’s kind and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. He was a simple and generous man who always had a smile, an open heart or was just there to give a helping hand. His warmth and kindness made a lasting impact on those who knew him and his legacy of love and generosity will be cherished forever.

Jim attended and received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Thomas Nelson Community College in 1984 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy (USN) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) during the late 1960’s, Vietnam era. While in the USN, he served aboard the USS Valcour (AVP-55) and the USS Lawrence (DDG-4), demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his country.

Jim is survived by his loving daughter, Kesha M. Coffey (Penland) and her spouse Brian K. Coffey; grandchildren Alica D. Coffey and Ashton B. Coffey; his former spouse, Patricia A. Harrell (Murphy); his late brother’s wife, Connie L. Penland (Austin); his dear friend, Barbara Mingee; as well as many other cherished family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason L. Penland; parents, James and Nora Penland; and his brother, John (Johnny) Penland. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors in Florida and Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Virginia for their support.

Jim believed in God and lived a humble life that was guided by his love and devotion for others. His family and friends testified to this devotion and takes comfort in the words of Matthew 18:2–4:
"He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

A military honors service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia to honor his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Fund (https://americancancerfund.org) in his honor.

Jim will be deeply missed, but his love, generosity, and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace now Jim.